Wheelskins (Steering wheel cover)

[kawita]

I like the look of the factory wheel with the silver spokes exposed (not covered in leather) Is there anyway you can get that look with aftermarket leather?

[cpatch]

Originally Posted by kawita

I like the look of the factory wheel with the silver spokes exposed (not covered in leather) Is there anyway you can get that look with aftermarket leather?

You could always order a factory wheel from Sigma for $350!

After seeing that photo I've realized I don't want the Wheelskins look (and I can't afford $350 either). If anyone in the U.S. wants a plain black one (new in box) for $35 shipped Priority Mail PM me.

[kawita]

Originally Posted by cpatch

You could always order a factory wheel from Sigma for $350!

After seeing that photo I've realized I don't want the Wheelskins look (and I can't afford $350 either). If anyone in the U.S. wants a plain black one (new in box) for $35 shipped Priority Mail PM me.

Anyone know if that would work with the airbags?

[momo]

Originally Posted by kawita

Anyone know if that would work with the airbags?

It should not affect the airbag because the airbag deport from the center of the steering wheel.

[hschen]

I know many of you don't like the leather wheel wrap. I am one of those who can't drive without it. So attached is my poor man's leather steering wheel. My workmanship is bad, I know.

[cpatch]

Originally Posted by kawita

Anyone know if that would work with the airbags?

I'm pretty sure it's a factory replacement for the existing wheel so it shouldn't be a problem.

[Boo]

Originally Posted by hschen

I know many of you don't like the leather wheel wrap. I am one of those who can't drive without it. So attached is my poor man's leather steering wheel. My workmanship is bad, I know.

I think yours looks fine. And your workmanship is fine too.

I think the Gen III steering wheel presents a fitment issue that the Gen II and many other cars do not have, namely the multi-faced vertical spokes on the bottom.

Given the Gen III steering wheel and the different Wheelskins I've seen on it, I'm convinced that the best Wheelskins for it has to be solid colored and smooth (non-perforated).

With the solid colored and smooth Wheelskins, there's only one seam at the six o'clock position which means that the feel of that seam is unlikely to ever bother anyone; plus the overall look is smoother and tighter looking because there's only one seam and you don't get the hard to fit spoke areas highlighted by contrasting colors. Also, with one smooth solid color, the Wheelskins will look most like OEM, and even more so if you get black.

Tip #1: I don't know if it's been mentioned in this thread, but one way to get a smoother fit on the spokes is to not tighten the "dummy" stitches on the spokes very much. Once you get past the spokes' dummy stitches, you can resume tightening the real stitches as much as you can.

Tip #2: I think that wearing a glove while you tighten stitches is the best way to get tight stitches. With a glove (I use those cheap cotten work or moving gloves with those little rubbery nubbies on the palms and fingers), you won't have the thread cutting into your hand while you pull, and you'll be able to use all your might to tighten stitches. One PriusChatter suggested using a crochet hook, but I can't see a crochet hook tightening as well as a gloved hand pulling hard. Other PriusChatters suggested using needle nose pliers to pull the thread; but again, I can't see pliers pulling as hard as a gloved hand. Also, using needle nose pliers might damage or cut the thread with either the finer teeth or the finer edges that needle nose pliers frequently have.